As your due date draws closer, the anticipation of meeting your little one is equally nerve-wracking and exciting. For some moms, their due date comes and goes and they still find themselves waiting. After nine long months, waiting even a day longer to give birth can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally draining. That’s why many women turn to natural labor-inducing remedies.

Labor induction is often linked to medical intervention; on the contrary, several centuries-old natural methods can be used to prepare the body for birth. Chief among these methods are certain foods, some of which may surprise you, that are believed to induce labor.

Often rich in specific enzymes or compounds, these foods have earned the recognition of traditional practitioners and modern scientists. For example, pineapple is rich in bromelain, an enzyme known to soften the cervix (this is why you should avoid eating it in early pregnancy). Similarly, dates consumed in the last few weeks of pregnancy can prepare your body for birth and shorten labor.

However, before eating these foods, it’s important to become well-informed and consult your healthcare provider because what works for one person may not work for you. Your safety and that of your baby should always be the top priority. Keeping this in mind, let’s explore the unexpected foods that induce labor and the science behind them.

Unexpected foods that induce labor

While there is not enough scientific research to support that these foods do induce labor, many women swear by them. Furthermore,  there is no harm in consuming these foods as they may contain minerals, vitamins, and fiber that are good for you regardless of whether they induce labor or not.

1. Pineapple

Pineapple is rich in the enzyme bromelain which is known for its ability to activate the bowels. Since your uterus is located next to the intestines, it is believed that the bromelain in pineapple can also cause the cervix to soften and induce contractions.

Additionally, pineapple is a great source of vitamin C and folate. Vitamin C can help reduce pregnancy inflammation and folate supports your baby’s health. However, keep in mind that an excess of pineapple can cause cramping and diarrhea.

2. Dates

Dates are believed to kick-start labor, however, there is little evidence to corroborate this. Despite this, there is research proving that consuming dates in late pregnancy may help shorten labor. 

In one study, women who consumed at least six dates a day up to four weeks before birth showed signs of a softer cervix and a shorter first stage of labor. Additionally, these women did not require oxytocin, a medication used to begin or speed up labor.

3. Spicy foods

There is a common misconception that spicy food is bad during pregnancy. The opposite is true. You cannot harm your baby with spicy food, though, there is some risk of diarrhea or heartburn if you consume too much spices. If you’re close to your due date and looking for a way to kick-start labor, your grandma or mom might suggest spicy food.

Spicy food can irritate the intestines like pineapple and in turn, stimulate the uterus to contract, but that does not mean you’ll go into labor. Unfortunately, there is no conclusive research proving that it works, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

4. Red raspberry leaf tea

Rich in vitamins, calcium, and iron, a red raspberry leaf tea is recommended by many midwives and doctors in later pregnancy. It is safe to consume and poses no threat to your baby. While it is not guaranteed to induce labor, one study proved that it can shorten labor, and prevent preterm or post-term birth (i.e. early or late labor).

Furthermore, the study showed that women who consume red raspberry leaf tea were less likely to undergo cesarean sections, forceps, or vacuum births.

5. Licorice

 Licorice root is rich in glycyrrhizin which can help produce prostaglandins and kick-start labor. However, a study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, warns against the overconsumption of licorice during pregnancy as it has been linked to premature birth. If you are considering licorice, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before trying it.

What Is labor induction?

According to the Mayo Clinic labor induction is when your doctor gets your uterus to contract before labor begins naturally. Most pregnancies are 40 weeks long, and it is best to maintain the pregnancy for 40 weeks so that your baby has time to fully develop and gain weight.

In cases where babies are born before 40 weeks, there is the risk of complications such as breathing, hearing, visual, and feeding difficulties. However, there may be the need to induce labor in a medical emergency for your and your baby’s safety, which is when your doctor may recommend a medical induction.

Medical induction

In a medical induction, if necessary, your healthcare professional will use medication or a procedure to cause labor to begin. These could be:

• Cervical ripening or dilation through the insertion of a balloon-like device on the end of a catheter or by introducing a water-absorbing substance.
• Amniotomy, or the rupturing of the amniotic sac, can only be done if dilation has progressed enough for your doctor to reach the amniotic sac.
• Induction through the introduction of naturally occurring hormones such as oxytocin or prostaglandins, which can stimulate contractions or cervical dilation, respectively.

While these methods are in practice today, they may cause other complications such as a torn uterus, infection to you or your baby, and the increased likelihood of a cesarean delivery. Therefore, some women choose to consume foods that can naturally induce labor.

Disclaimer: As with medical induction, discuss natural remedies with your doctor first, as factors such as fetal age, position, and any pre-existing conditions should be considered.

Conclusion

Every labor and delivery journey is unique, and your decision to explore foods that induce labor is deeply personal. While the foods discussed above have roots in traditional practices with some scientific basis, their effectiveness is not guaranteed. What works for one person may not work for another.

For the most part, these foods are safe to consume, but before trying them as natural labor-inducing remedies, consult your healthcare provider to ensure your safety and that of your little one. 

Ultimately, while these foods may help prepare your body for labor, patience, professional guidance, and trust in your body’s natural timing is the best approach. Every birth story is special, and no matter how labor begins, it is just the start of your incredible journey of parenthood.

Sources:

1. Why do doctors induce labor? 2023. Medical News Today. Why and how do doctors induce labor?
2. When should labor be induced? 2024. Mayo Clinic. Inducing labor: When to wait, when to induce.
3. Pineapple during pregnancy. 2023. WebMD. Does pineapple induce labor?
4. Can labor induction be guaranteed? 2024. Cleveland Clinic. Is There Any Guaranteed Way To Induce Labor?